Botanic Garden Director Retires

Carolyn Altman, the longtime director of the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern, has retired after 18 years of service to the University. She leaves a legacy of growth, transformation and a profound impact on the local community.

“Leaving the Garden is bittersweet,” Altman said. “I have loved every moment of my time here, from working with the Garden staff and students to create such a special place, to getting other people excited about future projects, to solving all sorts of challenges.”

In her role as director, the Garden flourished with significant improvements. The construction of the Heritage Pavilion and Courtyards, the expansion of native plant landscape gardens, the renovation of Bland Cottage and Outdoor Classroom, and the addition of the Grow Zone and Orchard breathed new life into the space. The historic One-Room Schoolhouse also found a home on land that was the 20th-century farmstead of Dan and Catharine Bland.

A Must-See Destination and Community Hub

Altman’s impact extended beyond the Garden’s border, as her leadership transformed it into a must-see destination in the region. She oversaw the development of a facility rental program drawing hundreds of people annually for special events, festivals and concerts. She’s a founding member of the Main Street Farmers Market, which took root in the Botanic Garden’s fields. She remains confident that the Garden will continue to thrive in the hands of the staff she described as “fabulous, hardworking, loving and incredible.”

“Everyone is passionate about the Garden and serving others,” Altman said, “and I’m excited to see what new ideas bloom at the Botanic Garden.”

Her journey at the Garden began as an education coordinator, where she connected young learners to the wonders of coastal plain science and history. Altman established teacher training programs and with the addition of the Botanic Garden education team, started initiatives like Project Eaglet, which brings first- through fifth-graders to the University’s outreach units. The schoolchildren experience science and social studies in a living, breathing, outdoor classroom.

“They love being outside, exploring the world, and love coming to campus,” Altman said. “We call them our future students and encourage them to think that college could be a part of their futures, which is critical for so many, especially first-generation students.”

Nurturing the University Community

The Garden also enriches the lives of the University community. It is a hub where students from diverse majors — scientists, art students, filmmakers and historians — can find real-world applications.

“Our college students fulfill class requirements here,” Altman explained. “Many of our student-workers are engineers and have built bridges, fences, arbors and other structures. Students fall in love at the Garden, alumni come back to marry here, and donors love to see beautiful things grow in this space. Perhaps most importantly, the Garden is a place where students, staff, faculty and the community can escape the stress of daily life and restore their spirits.”

As for her future, Altman is enjoying more time for traveling, cycling and visiting her family. However, she emphasized she remains committed to engaging in projects that build community and protect the natural world.

— Sandra Bennett